Why Everyone’s Falling in Love with Parga (and You Will Too)

🧐 Estimated read time | 12 minutes

I’m going to start with a confession: Parga had been sitting on our travel list for quite some time. You know, that friend who’s “definitely coming” to your party but somehow always ghosts at the last minute? That was Parga for us — until last September, when we finally decided to make it happen. And yes, we brought the dogs.

Disclaimer: None of this is sponsored (unfortunately 😂).

Traveling to Parga by Car: What You Need to Know

We set off from Bulgaria, and if you’re like us and love a good road trip, driving to Parga is absolutely doable — and honestly, part of the adventure itself.

Tolls & Roads
Be prepared for tolls. Once you cross into Greece, you’ll meet a series of toll stations on the highways. They’re efficient and easy — just have cash (euros) or a card ready. Expect to spend around €30–€40 on tolls one way from the Bulgarian border to Parga.

Border Control
Crossing the border is usually smooth, but always allow extra time. We crossed at the Kulata–Promachonas checkpoint, and aside from a quick look at our documents, it was hassle-free. They didn’t even check the dogs’ passports.

Tip: Keep your passports (or ID cards if you’re an EU citizen), car registration, and proof of insurance (green card) close at hand. If traveling with pets, bring their EU pet passports and vaccination records.

Road Conditions
Greek highways are generally great — smooth, scenic, and easy to navigate. The last stretch toward Parga gets narrower and a bit winding, but if you drive carefully (and stop for the occasional photo), it’s all part of the charm.

Parking in Parga
Parking in Parga can be a mini workout for your patience, especially in high season. Our accommodation didn’t include parking, but honestly, it wasn’t much of an issue. Although there are paid parking lots close to the town center and beaches, I wouldn’t bother paying unless absolutely necessary. If you’re persistent enough (and don’t mind a little walk), you’ll almost always find a good enough free spot. Just think of it as your daily warm-up before the gyros and cocktails!

Pro tip: drop a pin on Google Maps — future you will thank you when searching for your car after a few ouzos.

Split the Drive
Although the drive isn’t that long, we decided to split the journey with a stop in Thessaloniki on the way there and Meteora on the way back. Thessaloniki treated us to coffee, sweet pastries, and a bit of city buzz; Meteora gave us spiritual views and endless photo opportunities. Highly recommend.

A dog-friendly Greek escape

We chose late September for one important reason: our two dogs. The heat is bearable, and I didn’t have to worry about them having a heat stroke. We didn’t need to buy dog hats or make them wear tiny booties 24/7 (though we’re definitely considering the booties for next time, so their paws don’t burn on the hot ground).

During the hottest hours, we kept them in the apartment, and did our longer walks in the early morning or that magical evening golden hour.

They even joined us on our day trip to Corfu (more on that in a separate blog coming soon!) and absolutely loved the ferry — tails wagging, noses glued to the sea air, and generally living their best life. We carried tons of water, always searched for shade, and kept Vaseline on hand to protect their paws.

Another big plus? Dogs are allowed on the beaches in Parga. While it’s always good to check each individual beach’s local rules and be respectful of other visitors, we found that people were generally welcoming and our dogs could happily chill with us by the water, splash around, and live out their best Greek beach dog fantasies.

If you’re planning to travel with your furry best friend, check out our dog travel tips article here

Where we stayed (and almost didn’t tell you about)

We stayed at the Old Town Studios Parga. We were so happy with the apartment that we honestly considered gatekeeping it forever. But they truly deserve a shout out.

Pet-friendly, charming, super cozy, and perfectly located: close to everything yet quiet enough for that post-beach siesta (with a snoring dog on your lap). We loved it so much we’re already plotting our return.

Accommodation options in Parga

If Old Town Studios isn’t available (or if you, like us, keep coming back), don’t worry — Parga has options for every taste and budget.

Boutique hotels and suites: For those who want a bit of luxury, there are gorgeous boutique hotels and suites with panoramic views over the bay and Venetian Castle.
Seaside apartments: Perfect for families or longer stays, offering kitchenettes and balconies.
Budget-friendly studios: Plenty of smaller, local-run places that are charming and super affordable.
Pet-friendly stays: More and more places are welcoming pets these days, but always check in advance and mention your fluffy companions when booking — especially if you have a bigger dog or more than one. We actually had to cancel a previous accommodation for exactly that reason, so it’s always worth double-checking before you click “Book now.”

What to Do in Parga (That Go Way Beyond Sunbathing)

Some places ask to be explored slowly. Not because there is too little to do, but because the best parts reveal themselves when you stop rushing and start paying attention. Parga is that kind of place. The more you give it, the more it gives back.

🌅 Climb to the Venetian Castle (go early — trust me)

Start your day here. The Venetian Castle sits above the town and offers some of the best panoramic views in Parga. The path up is a little steep but easy enough, and the reward is worth every step. Go early in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds. In high season, late afternoons might be too late, as the entrance sometimes closes before sunset. Check the hours beforehand.

sneak peak of one of the view points from the castle

If you can catch golden hour here, do it. The view stretches across the bay, the rooftops, and the distant horizon. It is one of those moments that quiets everything down, in the best way.

🐠 Hop on a Boat (or Three)

Boat tours leave regularly from Valtos Beach and the harbor area. Some will take you to nearby hidden beaches, sea caves, or snorkeling spots. Others offer glass-bottom views or romantic sunset cruises with wine and music. If you have time for only one, choose the sunset cruise. Watching the sky change color from the water is unforgettable. Tours range from one to three hours, and most can be booked the day before at local kiosks or online.

🛶 Swim, Canoe or Paddle to Panagia Island

From Kryoneri Beach, you can rent a kayak or canoe and paddle across to Panagia Island. It takes about ten minutes and is safe, even for beginners. The island is small and peaceful, with a white chapel and quiet spots for sitting or swimming. This is one of those small adventures that feels much bigger than it is. You rent a canoe, leave the shore, and somehow end up feeling like you have discovered something secret. It is peaceful, simple, and surprisingly grounding.

Greek vacations are always FUN

👩‍🍳 Join the Paragaea Cooking Experience

We planned to do this and missed our chance, but we will absolutely go back for it. The cooking class takes place at the Paragaea Olive Oil Museum and includes a full dinner with wine. You cook traditional Greek recipes using ingredients from local producers and their own garden. No cooking skills are needed. Just book in advance and bring an appetite. The experience includes a short tour of the olive press and ends with everyone gathered around the table like family.

🛍️ Shop in the Old Town

Wander through the small streets around the center and the castle. You will find handmade jewelry, woven bags, ceramics, and olive wood items that make much better souvenirs than magnets. My favorite bag came from one of these shops, and I still use it daily.

Shops open late in the morning and stay open into the evening, especially in summer. Take your time and chat with the shop owners, many of them make the pieces themselves or work with local artisans.

Parga’s Best Beaches

Valtos Beach
Best for: Everything in one place

This is Parga’s largest and most popular beach, with plenty of space, beach bars, loungers, and water sports. It is lively without feeling overcrowded, and the further you walk from the center, the quieter it gets.

Lichnos Beach
Best for: A quieter vibe and deep, clear water

Located a short drive from Parga, Lichnos Beach is peaceful and surrounded by nature. The water gets deep quickly, which makes it great for swimming. There is room to spread out, and it felt more relaxed overall. Perfect if you want to avoid the buzz without giving up on amenities.

Kryoneri Beach
Best for: Convenience

This small town beach is ideal for a quick dip or a relaxed hour between errands, meals, or ferry schedules. The water is calm, and the location could not be more central. Not our top pick for a full beach day, but perfect if you want to be in and out with no effort.

Ai Giannakis Beach (Piso Kryoneri)
Best for: A peaceful, local feel

Just behind Kryoneri, this beach is tucked away and often overlooked. It is smaller, more intimate, and great if you want a quiet moment by the water. The dogs loved it, and so did we. Dog tip: It stays relatively cool and shaded in the morning, which makes it ideal for sensitive paws and sleepy pups.

Day trips from Parga

Parga makes a great base for exploring western Greece and beyond.

Acheron River
A magical place to walk and wade through crystal-clear and ice-cold canyon waters, surrounded by lush greenery and ancient myths. Just 25 km from Parga and an absolute must-do. We loved it so much we wrote a full guide — you can read all about it here.

Sivota
Known as the “Caribbean of Greece,” Sivota is full of hidden coves and dreamy beaches, ideal for a boat rental day.

Corfu
Easy day trip by ferry — perfect for a mini island-hopping experience without packing your entire wardrobe again. (Separate blog coming soon!)

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Lefkada
If you are up for a slightly longer drive, Lefkada rewards you with some of the most stunning beaches in the Ionian. Think white cliffs, turquoise waters, and that feeling of arriving somewhere people tend to gatekeep. Porto Katsiki and Egremni are must-sees, but the island also offers laid-back towns, beach bars, and views you will talk about for weeks.

Meteora
Not exactly a “day” trip, but worth mentioning. Those monasteries on towering rocks? Unreal. (Full post coming soon!)

Albania
If you’re in the mood for something a little unexpected, you can take a day trip from Parga to Albania — most tours include a visit to the ancient ruins of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed by a relaxed afternoon in the coastal town of Saranda.

We ended up skipping it, mainly because the trip takes about nine hours, and we didn’t want to leave the dogs alone for that long. Driving there was an option, but between the border paperwork and pet requirements, it felt like more stress than adventure.

That said, if you’re traveling without pets, it’s a fun and easy way to explore a different country, dive into some rich history, and grab lunch somewhere totally new.

Food that deserves its own passport

Parga is a seafood lover’s fever dream. Fresh fish, calamari, and octopus so tender you might consider writing them a love letter.

There are street stalls grilling seafood on the spot, and the smell alone is enough to make you follow your nose like a cartoon character. We also discovered a local hazelnut liqueur — 10/10, dangerously smooth, and likely to make you book your next stay before finishing your glass.

We found a gyros place (Filippas) so good we ditched our “fancy dinner” plans more than once. No regrets.

Then there’s Amicos Food & Bar. A place so dear to us that we celebrated our first wedding anniversary there. I even tried my first-ever oyster (life-changing). Their cocktails are top-notch, and the atmosphere is exactly what you want on a warm Parga evening: lively but relaxed, and full of locals and travelers mingling happily.

And for those slow, sunny mornings? We found our absolute favorite brunch spot at Brazilian Cup. Great coffee, amazing pancakes, really warm owners, and the most incredible cups (I collect espresso and cappuccino cups — and honestly, I wish I could’ve “accidentally” slipped one into my bag).

their ice coffee is great but nothing beats a classic cappuccino for me

Strapatsada (Traditional Greek eggs 10/10) & The Neapolitan (I think)

Should you go?

Yes. That’s it. Yes.

Parga somehow manages to feel both lively and laid-back, luxurious yet unpretentious. It’s the kind of place where you can swim in turquoise waters in the morning, explore castles and hidden alleys at lunch, and sip cocktails while the sun melts into the sea.

Whether you come for the food, the views, or because you just want to eat your body weight in seafood and gyros (absolutely no judgment), Parga will welcome you with open arms — and likely a shot of ouzo.

And don’t forget — bring your dogs. They’ll love it as much as you do.

See you on the road (or on the beach)!
💙